Many people are unaware that their bathroom contains a veritable chemical cocktail. Of the 2,983 chemicals permitted for use in personal care items 884 were found to be toxic. Of these: ·         314 can cause cancer ·         218 can cause reproductive complications ·         778 can cause acute toxicity ·         146 can cause tumors ·         376 can cause skin and eye irritation There are virtually no government regulations to protect us. This is a fairly extensive list of the more questionable chemicals.

INGREDIENT TYPICAL USES EFFECTS Acetic Acid Body moisturiser, hand lotion, hair dye Suspected GI or liver toxicity hazard, can be irritating to skin. Acetone Nail polish remover, nail finishes, perfumes, dishwashing detergents Skin & eye irritation, can cause headache, fatigue; can enter through skin & sinuses; causes damage to the liver & kidneys; severe exposure to fumes can cause coma and death. Acetonitrile (Methylacyanide) Nail polish remover, artificial nail remover and nail glue remover Nervous system poison by absorption through skin or and by inhalation; may be carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic. Acetyl-Ethyl-Tetramethyl-Tetralin (AETT) Aftershave, cologne, soap, perfume, antiperspirant, deodorant Nervous system damage, behavioural abnormalities. Alcohol Cosmetics, facial cleanser, aftershave, bubble bath, shaving cream, mouthwash, cologne, deodorant Can dry the hair and skin; may cause contact dermatitis; can cause seizures, brain damage and comas in children or infants; may cause oral cancer in adults. Alpha-hydroxy acids Anti-wrinkle products, skin toner, skin cleanser, skin improver Reactions may occur causing redness, swelling around eyes, rashes and itchiness, burning sensations, blistering, bleeding or skin discolouration. Alpha-Pinene Soap, cologne, perfume, shaving cream, deodorant, dishwashing liquid, air freshener Damaging to the immune system. Aluminium Deodorant, antiperspirant Links to Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis; increased risk of fractures; identified as a neurotoxin, which can actively interfere with many chemical reactions in the brain. Arsenic Hair tonics, hair dyes, May cause adverse reactions; or may be carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic. Azo Dyes Non-permanent hair rinse and tint Skin contact can cause cancer; allergic reactions Bentonite Facial masks, anti-dandruff shampoo, liquid makeup, face powder Can block the pores and tend to suffocate the skin contributing to acne. Benzaldehyde Perfume, cosmetic cream and lotion, soap and dye Highly toxic; can cause allergic reactions – eye and skin irritations; liver toxin. Benzene Deodorant, soap, perfume, polish remover Teratogenic, carcinogenic, inhalation of fumes may be toxic, poison when ingested. Benzidine Hair dye Cancer hazard, suspected immunotoxic hazard, suspected neurotoxic hazard, suspected liver hazard, suspected kidney toxic hazard. Benzophenones Sunscreen, hairspray, perfume, soap May produce hives, contact sensitivity and other photoallergic reactions. Benzyl Acetate Perfume, soap Carcinogenic. Vapours irritating to eyes and respiratory passages. Benzyl Chloride Shampoo, perfume, hair conditioner, cosmetics, dye Cancer, allergic reactions, birth defects; kidney and liver damage, very serious irreversible effects. Beta-Napthylamine Hair dyes Known carcinogen BHA (Butalayted Hydroxianisole) Cosmetics, makeup, lip balm, lip gloss, lipstick May cause allergic reactions; possible carcinogen. BHT (Butalayted Hydroxytoluene) Cosmetics, hand/body cream, lipstick, eyeliner, baby oil/lotions, shaving cream Causes allergic contact dermatitis; causes hyperactivity; may cause cancer, asthma attacks, extreme weakness, fatigue, edema, damage to liver.  Avoid during pregnancy. BNDP (Bronopropyl) Shampoos, creams, lotions, rinses, eye-makeup Possible carcinogen. Eye and skin irritant; can cause contact dermatitis, liver toxin. Carboxymethylcellulose Detergents, toothpaste Can cause intestinal obstruction, may cause cancer Carnauba Wax Cosmetics, blush, lipstick, mascara Sited as possible carcinogen. Carrageenan Toothpaste Causes the type of changes in intestinal cells that lead to malignant tumours. Chlorine Dioxide Mouthwash, toothpaste Toxic and irritating to skin and lungs. May be carcinogenic. Chloroform Toothpaste, fabric softeners Possible human carcinogen. Coal Tar Medicated shampoo, hand & body lotion, facial cosmetics, toothpaste hair & eyelash dye, lipsticks. Psoriasis medication Severe allergic reactions, headaches, nausea, lack of concentration; linked to cancer. Cocomide DEA Shampoo, cosmetics, hand gel, shower gel, hand-washing  liquids, shaving gel, dishwashing liquid Readily penetrates human skin and accumulates in organs where it induces chronic toxic effects. Coumarin Detergent, soap, hair dye, shampoo, deodorant Allergic contact dermatitis and photosensitivity, listed as a teratogen. Crystalline Silica Blushers, facial powder, lipstick, lip gloss, lip pencils Carcinogenic and an irritant to eyes, skin and lungs. Risk of harm is primary from inhalation. Diazolidinyl Urea Shampoo, shaving Gel, body moisturiser, conditioner Possible sensitiser and causes contact dermatitis. Dibutyl phthalate Deodorants, nail enamel, perfume anti-perspirants Mimics action of estrogen to disrupt hormonal balance, suspected carcinogenic and teratogenic, may cause contact allergy, vapour irritating to the eyes. DEA (Diethanolamine) The most common chemical in the cosmetic and personal care business Cosmetics, shampoo, hair conditioner, detergent, soap, liquid soap, bubble bath, moisturisers, baby products, shaving cream. Irritating to eyes, skin and accumulates in organs inducing chronic toxic effects, carcinogenic. 1,4-Dioxane Cosmetics, baby shampoo, bubble bath Suspected human carcinogen.  Use may result in eye, nose and throat irritation and kidney and liver disease, stress related illnesses, hormone disruption, lowered sperm counts DMDM Hydantoin Shampoo, lubricant Allergen – causes dermatitis when used in cosmetic products. May break down into or release formaldehyde, which is carcinogenic. Estradiol Hormone creams, perfume   Ether Shampoo, nail polish Mild skin irritant; inhalation or ingestion causes central nervous system depression. Ethyl & Methyl Metacrylate Nail polish, artificial nails Highly flammable; strong irritant causing severe allergic reactions. Ethylene Oxide Cosmetics, hand lotions Skin and eye irritant and suspected human carcinogenic. Fluorocarbons   Component of aerosols that destroys the ozone layer of the atmosphere. Fluoride Toothpaste, cosmetics, dental treatments Contact allergen; poison when ingested over long periods; can cause nausea and vomiting when ingested also death; linked to brain degeneration and cancer; causes damage to bones and organs in the body. Formaldehyde Mascara, nail hardener, nail polish, soap, hair restorer, shampoo, anti-aging cream, bubble bath, deodorant, toothpaste, mouth wash, permanent press and wrinkle resistant clothing, air freshener, mould and mildew cleaner, carpets, plastics, particle board, plywood, building insulation Allergen causing eye, nose and throat irritation, coughing, asthma attacks, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, skin rashes, nose bleeds, headaches and dizziness; confirmed carcinogen. Glycerin Cosmetics, toothpaste, eye gel, mouthwash, soap, shampoo, hand/body cream, personal lubricant Can cause adverse reactions (animal source). Gluteraldehyde Antiperspirant, deodorant, hair sprays, setting lotion Contact allergen, fatigue, headache, nausea, vision loss, asthma, contact dermatitis Hexachlorophene Antiperspirant, deodorant, baby oil, shampoo, cold cream, toothpaste, baby powder Nerve damage, MS, Contact dermatitis, liver toxin, asthma, birth defects, blindness Hydrogen Peroxide Detergent/soap, hair dye/bleach, permanent wave neutraliser, mouthwash Tumour and cancer causing agent, inhalation can cause lung irritation, irritant. Hydroquinone Detergent/soap, freckle cream, suntan lotion, hair dye Extremely toxic by ingestion.  Causes severe skin damage and hyperpigmentation Hydroxyanisole Hair colour, lipstick Can affect female reproductive system; increase risk of cancer particularly non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, also multiple myeloma and Hodgkin’s disease and increase the risk of breast cancer. Imidazolidinyl urea Baby shampoo, bath oil, eye shadow, moisturiser, permanent waves, hair tonic, after-sun gel, cologne Know to cause contact dermatitis.  May break down or cause formaldehyde, which is carcinogenic. Isobutanol Fragrance, shampoo Dermatitis, eye and respiratory tract irritation, dry skin, cough, headache, dizziness Isopropanol (isopropyl alcohol A solvent in many hair care products. Spray type room deodorizer ,nail enamel, hand lotion, aftershave Irritating and extremely damaging to the eyes. Large amounts can cause renal failure. Stays on the hair long after it has been rinsed off. Skin irritant, a potent central nervous system depressant, carcinogenic and teratogenic. Kaolin Facial masks, powders, powder blush, foundation make-up May prevent skin from breathing, may dry out the skin. Lanolin Moisturiser, skin and hair conditioner, soap, eye shadow, detergent, hand cream, lipstick, mascara, nail polish remover, Often contains chemical residue from pesticide used on sheep; can cause contact skin rashes; has acne producing properties. Lauramide DEA Shampoo, cosmetics, bubble bath, dishwashing detergent Can have drying effect on hair, cause itching of scalp and allergic skin reaction. Lead Hair dyes Carcinogenic, hormone disrupter Lemon Essence/Juice/Oil Fragrance, dishwashing liquid, skin bleach, shampoo, hair colour rinse Can cause allergic reactions. Limonene Fragrance, perfume, cologne, shampoo, bar soap, deodorants, shaving cream, fabric softener, dishwashing liquid, after shave, nail colour and remover, disinfectant Mildly irritating to skin and can cause sensitisation, causes occupational allergic contact dermatitis. Lye Soap Skin & eye irritant, may cause allergic reaction. MEA (Monoethanolamine) Detergent, soap Carcinogenic.  Irritating to eyes and lungs. Mercury compounds Cosmetics, wax face masks, hair tonics, medicated soap, bleach and freckle cream Allergic reactions, skin irritation and neurotoxic reactions are likely. Methylene Chloride Hair spray, spray paint, insect spray, fragrances, de-caffeination, shampoo, Cologne, paint & varnish remover, spray room deodorisers, cleansing cream Skin irritant; Damaging to liver, kidneys and central nervous system; can stress cardiovascular system. Methyl Ethyl Ketone Shampoo, nail polish, hair conditioner, perfume Irritating to eyes, skin and mucous membranes, Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Varnish, paint, glue, fragrances Carcinogenic, can cause birth defects, irritant. Mineral Oil Detergent/soap, liquid foundation make-up, lip gloss, baby cream/lotion, suntan creams, cleansing cream, hair conditioner, hand cream, mascara, rouge, shaving cream, compact powder May contain PAH, which is a mutagenic, and the carcinogen ‘anthanthrene’. Musk Ambrette Perfumes, soap, detergent, creams/lotions, aftershave Contact dermatitis, known to damage nerve fibres, identified as neurotoxin Nitrosamines Creams/lotions, shampoo, hair conditioner Contaminants in food and cosmetics. Potent cancer causing agent absorbed through the skin. N-Nitrosodiethanolamine NDELA Cosmetic cream and lotions Carcinogenic. NMPABAO Cosmetics and sunscreens Carcinogenic. Orthophenylphenol Cosmetics, spray room deodoriser Moderate skin irritant, carcinogenic and mutagenic. PABA (Para-aminobenzoic acid) Sunscreen, sunburn lotion, lipstick Can cause allergic eczema, possibly phototoxic and photoallergenic. PEG Polyoxyetylene Shampoo, hair tonic, baby products, antiperspirant, lipstick, ointments May cause hives and eczema; linked to cancer; damage to nervous system or mutation. Toxic to the kidneys. May release formaldehyde. Petrolatum Face creams, eyebrow pencil, eye shadow, liquid powder, lipstick, baby cream, blusher, detergent, soap Prevents skin from taking oxygen and respiring out waste.  Produces acne; may contain carcinogens. Phenol Shaving cream, hand lotion, skin peelers, soap, mouth wash, sunburn lotion, throat lozenges Fatal poisonings can occur through skin absorption; suspected carcinogen. Phenylenediamine Hair dye, eyelash dye Causes facial dermatitis; may produce bronchial asthma, gastritis, skin rash and death; found to cause cancer in animals. Polysorbates Cosmetic creams and lotions, liquid soap, shampoo Known skin irritants, enhances the activity of known chemical carcinogens. Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) Shampoo, nail polish, lipstick, hair spray, styling mousse, toothpaste, liquid lip and face rouge Suspected human teratogen and carcinogen. Propylene Glycol Shampoo, cosmetics, hand/body lotion, industrial anti-freeze, moisturiser, hair conditioners, soap, baby-wipes, detergent, hand cream, hair dye, mascara, antibiotics, medications Affects liver and kidneys suspected of causing abnormalities; central nervous system depression, skin and eye irritant, a carcinogen in trials with experimental animals, a teratogen and the cause of adverse reproductive effects. PVP (Polyvinyl pyrrolidone) Shampoo, nail polish and varnishes, cosmetics May damage lungs and kidneys and can remain in the human system for up to a year. Suspected as a human teratogen and carcinogen. Pyrocatechol Permanent hair dyes Possible human carcinogen and can cause eczematous dermatitis. Pyrogallol Permanent hair dyes Skin irritant, causes eczema, poisoning and death have occurred through skin absorption. Quaternium Cosmetics, shampoo, hair conditioner Releases formaldehyde; can promote rashes and irritation in sensitive people. Quarternium-15 (Formaldehyde) Cosmetics, shampoo Neurotoxic, causes contact dermatitis. Saccharin Toothpaste, mouth wash, lipstick May cause adverse reactions; may be carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic. SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate) Toothpaste, hand & body wash, shampoo, bubble bath, hair conditioner, moisturiser, emollient cream, mascara, industrial cleaners, antibiotics Tissue damage that could result in liver, brain, heart and lung damage in the long term; can cause cataracts; causes improper eye development in children (effects the protein structure of the eyeball), degradation of the immune system; severe skin irritation and drying of the skin; hair loss and contact eczema; damages DNA within the cells, in toothpaste it can cause mouth ulcers, SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulphate) Shampoo, toothpaste, bath gel, bubble bath, liquid hand and body wash, dishwashing detergent Irritating to scalp and may cause hair loss. Styrene Cosmetics Cancer; liver, kidney and blood toxicity; eye and mucous membrane irritation. Talc Baby and bath powders, cosmetics, foot powders Linked to ovarian cancer and urinary tract disorders; lung irritant and cancer-causing agent. Tallow Soap, shaving cream, lipstick, shampoo May cause eczema and blackheads; Thiourea Hair dye, hair preparations, mould inhibitor Carcinogenic and liver cancer, skin irritant, causes allergies. TEA (Triethenolamine) Hand and body lotion, shaving cream, shampoo, hair conditioner, soap, foundation Can cause irritation and sensivity; can accumulate in organs. Toluene Nail polish and varnish, furniture wax, tyres, garbage bags, ink, hair gel, hair spray, kitty litter, perfume, dyes, artificial fragrances, toilet rolls, glue Causes skin irritation, allergic and irritant contact dermatitis, headaches, fatigue and bronchial irritation; causes asthma; is a neurotoxin, liver damage, decreased learning ability. Triclocarban Soap, deodorants, medicated cosmetics,  cleansing creams Suspected of causing cancer with daily use. Trichloroethane Drain cleaner, polishes, dry cleaning fluids, cosmetics, glue, nail polish, liquid paper Cardiac arrest, liver toxin, irritant to eyes and mucous membrane Trisodium Edetate (EDTA) Cosmetics, soap Can cause cancer. Vinyl Chloride Hair spray, deodorant Cancer and liver cancer, liver toxin, mutagenic, degenerate bone disease. Zinc Pyridinethione Anti-dandruff shampoo, fragrances Allergic dermatitis, known neurotoxin. Zinc Stearate Cosmetic powders and creams Possible carcinogenic.